Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

The 46 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Because sometimes a lot of episodes of one TV series are best enjoyed in a single sitting.

By Robert English

and Kevin Jacobsen

on August 12, 2026 7:56 a.m. ET

Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch on ‘The Pitt’; Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag on ‘Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in ‘Over the Garden Wall’. Credit:

John Johnson/Max; BBC/Amazon; Cartoon Network

Even amid uncertainty in other forms of media, television continues to thrive. Streaming has only exacerbated the number of TV shows produced every year, with services like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu perfectly calibrated for binge-viewing.

Some of the best TV can hook the viewer for hours on end, from addictive reality shows like *Survivor* and *The Traitors* to Emmy-winning favorites like *The Pitt* and *Schitt’s Creek*. Through bold characters and often suspenseful editing, these are the shows of which we simply cannot get enough and make us eager to chat about them with friends.

Ahead, we’ve put together a watchlist of the 46 best binge-worthy TV shows — and where you can stream all of them.

Abbott Elementary (2021–present)

Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues on ‘Abbott Elementary’. ABC/Scott Everett White

ABC struck awards season gold with *Abbott Elementary*, the fantastic workplace comedy about public school teachers trying to do their best for their Philadelphia students. Creator Quinta Brunson stars as Janine Teagues, an optimistic teacher at Abbott, where every day is a new, hilarious challenge. She works alongside the awkward but well-meaning Jacob (Chris Perfetti), the tough-loving Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), the no-nonsense Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), the devoted Gregory (Tyler James Williams), the underqualified principal Ava (Janelle James), and the quirky janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

If you haven’t started watching this Emmy-winning series, now is the time to catch up on five full seasons of antics, the laughs, the romances, and the touching ode to American teachers. *—Robert English*

Where to watch *Abbott Elementary*: Hulu and HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph

Adolescence (2025)

Mark Stanley as Paulie Barlow, Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, and Stephen Graham as Eddie Miller in ‘Adolescence’.

Courtesy of Netflix

This whopper of a four-part miniseries tells the story of a 13-year-old boy named Jamie (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a female classmate. But, rather than focus on whether he did it, the British series delves into *why* he did it, deftly exploring issues plaguing teens today while also showing how Jamie’s family is left in shambles following his detention. Winner of eight Emmys, including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, *Adolescence* is necessary viewing that will give you a lot to think about, long after you’ve finished the final episode. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Adolescence*: Netflix

**Cast:** Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Christine Tremarco

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Richard Gadd as Donny and Jessica Gunning as Martha in ‘Baby Reindeer’.

Ed Miller/Netflix

This Netflix sensation isn’t quite like anything you’ve seen before. Based on his one-man show, Richard Gadd plays Donny, a fictionalized version of himself, whose life is disrupted when a middle-aged woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning) takes a dangerously obsessive liking to him. As the limited series goes on, we see how Donny also lives with the trauma of a past event, informing his behavior in the present. Raw yet bleakly comedic, *Baby Reindeer* is an unforgettable watch with riveting, Emmy-winning performances by Gadd and Gunning. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Baby Reindeer*:* *Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau

Bait (2026)

Sajid Hasan as Parvez, Riz Ahmed as Shah Latif, and Sheeba Chaddha as Tahira on ‘Bait’.

Courtesy of Prime

In the wake of Daniel Craig’s exit from the James Bond franchise, fans have suggested numerous hot British actors to replace him, including Oscar winner Riz Ahmed. This Amazon comedy series provides a sharp take on the grueling casting process, with Ahmed playing Shah Latif, a significantly less successful actor than himself, as he screen-tests for Bond and struggles with racist hate from fans of the franchise. *Bait* tackles weighty themes of prejudice and identity without ever verging into after-school special territory — and earned Ahmed an Emmy nomination. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Bait*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Riz Ahmed, Guz Khan, Aasiya Shah, Sheeba Chaddha, Sajid Hasan

The Bear (2022–2026)

Jeremy Allen White as Carmy Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus Brooks, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie Jerimovich on ‘The Bear’. FX

“It would be weird to work in a restaurant and not completely lose your mind.” Created by Christopher Storer, *The Bear* stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmy, a fine-dining NYC chef who returns to Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after his brother dies by suicide. With the added pressure of massive debt, Carmy works to keep the restaurant going with manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), new sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), passionate baker Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and defiant line cook Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas). The Emmy-winning series is often funny, very tense, and an incredibly detailed look into the back door of the restaurant business, anxiety and all. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Bear*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on ‘Black Doves’.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw are a match made in spy heaven on this gripping British thriller series. Knightley stars as Helen, a spy for a private organization, secretly gathering intel within her role as the Secretary of State of Defence’s wife. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes on the hunt for the killer as her hitman friend Sam (Whishaw) helps her uncover a vast conspiracy. EW’s critic calls *Black Doves* “a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper, driven by a sharp comedic sensibility and wildly entertaining performances.” —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd on ‘Bodyguard’. Sophie Mutevelian/World Productions/Netflix

In this British political drama, Richard Madden portrays David Budd, a war veteran suffering from PTSD and serving as the security detail of conservative Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), but their political differences are difficult to reconcile. *Bodyguard* is an absorbing series, particularly due to Madden’s powerhouse, Golden Globe-winning performance. His face is a canvas of emotions that make us care deeply for him, whether he’s grieving, trying to save friends and strangers, or making decisions that put his own life at risk. It’s a show that’s hard to turn off, and the six episodes fly by as we delve deeper into the world of domestic terrorism and political misgivings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Chernobyl (2019)

Stellan Skarsgård as Boris Shcherbina in ‘Chernobyl’. Liam Daniel/HBO

Winner of 10 Emmys, including Outstanding Limited Series, *Chernobyl* is a striking retelling of the 1986 nuclear disaster told through the lens of the scientists, government officials, and everyday people affected by the fallout. The show follows a stellar main cast headed by Jared Harris as Valery Legasov, a chemist who leads the response to the disaster.

The first episode painstakingly recreates the explosion and immediate devastation with such dramatic flair that you’ll hold your breath as if you were a part of the historic day. The rest of the series explores the aftermath with carefully constructed scenes depicting often-overlooked pockets of the disaster, from the doomed workers stripped down to their skin, burying radioactive materials, to the men assigned to execute pets left in the quarantine zone. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Chernobyl*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson

The Comeback (2005; 2014; 2026)

Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish on ‘The Comeback’.

Erin Simkin/HBO

Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow) is desperate — desperate for relevancy, desperate to build back up her once-promising career, desperate to be seen in the best light possible. Her desperation is also what leads her to sign up for a reality show documenting her life, as this satirical mockumentary follows her attempts to regain her former glory. Kudrow’s performance is nothing less than stunning, portraying Valerie’s many insecurities beneath her winning smile. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Comeback*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Lisa Kudrow, Damian Young, Robert Michael Morris, Laura Silverman, Malin Åkerman

Death Note (2006–2007)

Ryuk (voice: Shidô Nakamura) and Light Yagami (voice: Mamoru Miyano) on ‘Death Note’. Viz Media

For those curious about getting into anime, *Death Note* is an ideal starting point for the medium. Based on the popular manga, *Death Note* centers on Light Yagami, a studious high schooler who discovers a mysterious notebook that presents him with a moral dilemma: By simply writing the name of anyone he knows in the book, he can cause their death. Light decides to use his newfound power to rid the world of dangerous criminals, but the subsequent deaths catch the attention of a detective, who becomes hell-bent on tracking Light down. The series deftly balances its cat-and-mouse conceit with thought-provoking themes of morality, justice, and corrupting power. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Death Note*: Netflix

**Cast:** Mamoru Miyano, Kappei Yamaguchi, Shidô Nakamura, Aya Hirano, Noriko Hidaka

Dying for Sex (2025)

Michelle Williams as Molly and Jay Duplass as Steve in ‘Dying for Sex’.

Too often, stories about living with cancer dwell too much on the misery of the situation, depicting the character(s) as suffering in silence or fearing the end. This eight-episode dramedy offers a refreshing, well-balanced depiction of a woman who uses her scary diagnosis as an opportunity to satisfy her deepest fantasies. The series stars Michelle Williams, turning in yet another multilayered performance as Molly, who has Stage IV breast cancer and leaves her husband to explore her sexuality. EW’s critic calls *Dying for Sex* “a heartbreaking (and at times, very horny) story about female friendship, self-actualization, and the realization that it’s never too late to heal.” —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dying for Sex*: Hulu

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate

Enlightened (2011–2013)

Mike White as Tyler and Laura Dern as Amy Jellicoe on ‘Enlightened’. Everett Collection

Another two-season gem that was canceled due to low ratings, *Enlightened* is an underrated and short-lived series from HBO following Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), a self-destructive woman who is trying to make amends with her past relationships while finding passion in her work and life. Dern teamed up with future *White Lotus* creator Mike White to craft this dark comedy that is utterly hilarious and effectively moving. Her mental breakdowns and failed attempts at being a good person don’t just play for laughs, but also serve as illuminating looks at the human condition. In her argument for why it’s “the best show nobody is watching,” EW’s critic writes, “the more maniacal Amy’s antics, the funnier and more poignant *Enlightened* gets.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Enlightened*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Laura Dern, Luke Wilson, Mike White, Diane Ladd, Sarah Burns

Firefly (2002–2003)

Adam Baldwin as Jayne Cobb, Jewel Staite as Kaylee Frye, Ron Glass as Shepherd Derrial Book, Sean Maher as Dr. Simon Tam, Morena Baccarin as Inara Serra, Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds, Gina Torres as Zoë Washburne, Alan Tudyk as Wash Washburne, and Summer Glau as River Tam on ‘Firefly’. Everett Collection

This highly underappreciated, single-season series has since found a large following. Starring Nathan Fillion as Mal Reynolds, captain of the *Serenity*, *Firefly* is a brilliant Western-style sci-fi story following a crew of independent rebels on the run from the totalitarian Alliance in a fully realized and unique future world.

Due to poor advertising and a lack of faith in this series, *Firefly* was too late in proving itself as an engaging, thought-provoking program with a great cast. But, even from the beginning, fans of the series saw something special in Joss Whedon’s vision. While the show is easily one of the most bingeable seasons of television, fans are also able to see their favorite crew in the high-budget, emotional sequel film, *Serenity* (2005). *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Firefly*: Hulu

**Cast:** Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin

Fleabag (2016–2019)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag and Andrew Scott as the Priest in season 2 of ‘Fleabag’. Steve Schofield/Amazon Studios

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s *Fleabag* is a hilarious and poignant series about a young woman just trying to get by in London while coping with the loss of her best friend, tensions with her family, and her own inability to not be completely inappropriate in any given situation. Writer Waller-Bridge doubles as our nameless star, the fourth-wall-breaking, sexually deviating, guinea pig cafe-owning main character who is the master of her own undoing, but not without garnering every ounce of our sympathies. Though it only spans 12 short episodes, these gut-punch chapters are more than enough to bring you to your knees, possibly in prayer, but more likely in tears. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Fleabag*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sian Clifford, Andrew Scott

The Four Seasons (2025–present)

Kerri Kenney-Silver as Anne, Erika Henningsen as Ginny, Will Forte as Jack, Tina Fey as Kate, Marco Calvani as Claude, and Colman Domingo as Danny on ‘The Four Seasons’.

Emily V. Aragones/Netflix

Adapting a character-driven ensemble dramedy from 1981 might not have been a no-brainer in the current entertainment climate, but Tina Fey found a way. Co-created by Fey, her fellow *30 Rock* producer Tracey Wigfield, and *Never Have I Ever* showrunner Lang Fisher, *The Four Seasons* follows a group of longtime Gen X friends who vacation together every spring, summer, fall, and winter. While the gang often finds themselves reassessing their priorities and relationships, the heart of the series is in the bonding and hangout vibes, with a winning ensemble led by Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Four Seasons*: Netflix

**Cast:** Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Colman Domingo, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Marco Calvani

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

(Front row, from left to right): Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, and Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis; (Center row, from left): Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber and James Franco as Daniel Desario; (Back row): Seth Rogen as Ken Miller on ‘Freaks and Geeks’. Chris Haston/NBC

Fans of *Freaks and Geeks* still can’t believe they only got one season of this cult classic from Paul Feig and Judd Apatow about teenage life in the early-‘80s Detroit suburbs. Following burnout “freaks” and their smoke-clouded misadventures in contrast to the underclassmen “geeks” who are just trying to survive school between D&D sessions, the show has all the heart of an after-school special while tossing the moralizing out with the disco records.

Since it hit streaming, new generations of fans have discovered this earnest comedy series that touts big 21st-century stars in some of their earliest roles, launching the careers of James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and more. As Segel told EW in 2021, “It was this really amazing cast before we really knew anything.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Freaks and Geeks*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Samm Levine, Seth Rogen

The Girlfriend (2025)

Robin Wright as Laura Sanderson in ‘The Girlfriend’.

Christopher Raphael/Amazon Conent Services LLC

The power struggle between a mother and his son’s girlfriend is a tale as old as time, and this Golden Globe-nominated miniseries explores the full soapy potential of that dynamic. Robin Wright stars as Laura Sanderson, a rich gallerist who meets her son Daniel’s (Laurie Davidson) new girlfriend, Cherry Laine (Olivia Cooke), and finds inconsistencies in her story. From there, a passive-aggressive battle of wills is waged, and let’s just say, once you watch one episode, you’ll find you won’t be able to stop. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Girlfriend*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Robin Wright, Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson

Hacks (2021–2026)

Hannah Einbinder as Ava Daniels and Jean Smart as Deborah Vance on ‘Hacks’.

A show about the odd couple dynamic between a revered stand-up comedian and her much younger comedy writer sounds a bit, well, *hacky*. But this Emmy-winning comedy series is anything but, telling a bitingly hilarious and humanistic tale of what it means to be a woman in show business, with razor-sharp performances from Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder at the center. As EW’s critic writes, “[T]his HBO Max series is funny (and moving, and weird, and smart) because it focuses not on the arduous process of crafting jokes, but on the hilarious, gifted, and deeply flawed women who tell them.” —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Hacks*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Paul W. Downs, Meg Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

(From left to right) Mckenna Grace as Young Theo, Lulu Wilson as Young Shirley, Paxton Singleton as Young Steven, Violet McGraw as Young Nell, Julian Hillard as Young Luke, and Henry Thomas as Young Hugh Crain in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’. Steve Dietl/Netflix

Told over the course of many years, *The Haunting of Hill House* is an intimate drama about a fractured family left to reconcile with the supernatural terrors that drove them from their home. Creator Mike Flanagan (*Midnight Mass*) dutifully adapts this Shirley Jackson classic for the modern era, making it as eerie for audiences as it is for the fictional Crain children.

Beyond the scares, the series is also a spine-tingling look into human psychology, adeptly drawing on Jackson’s themes of trauma in the original novel. As Flanagan told EW, “I find myself drawn to human stories, often stories of family, because the ghosts we get to explore really are extensions of very relatable relationships and dynamics in our lives.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Haunting of Hill House*: Netflix

**Cast:** Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Timothy Hutton

Heartstopper (2022–2024)

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson on ‘Heartstopper’.

Rob Youngson/Netflix

Adapted from a webcomic by Alice Oseman, *Heartstopper* is a joyous comedy-drama series about young love as Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) explore their ever-deepening relationship. Serving as the showrunner, Oseman has brought her series to a global audience that celebrates its story and LGBTQ+ representation.

Locke spoke with EW in 2022 about *Heartstopper*’s themes of mental health and acceptance, saying, “I think what our show has really done well so far is tackling issues, but from an optimistic lens. I think it’d be really great to look at that more.” And that’s what’s happening — though there are only three seasons of the Netflix series, Charlie and Nick’s love story recently concluded with a feature film that hit Netflix on July 17. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Heartstopper*: Netflix

**Cast:** Kit Connor, Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney, Corinna Brown

Heated Rivalry (2025–present)

Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov on ‘Heated Rivalry’.

Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max

Few could’ve predicted just how big this Canadian romantic drama would become. In a way, it’s fitting, given the nature of how rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) fall in love so unexpectedly, complicating their lives as they grapple with homophobia and mounting societal pressures. Come for the spicy romance, stay for the show’s earnest exploration of masculinity and sexuality — and its two stars’ deeply felt performances. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Heated Rivalry*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang

I May Destroy You (2020)

Michaela Coel as Arabella in ‘I May Destroy You’. HBO

Michaela Coel created and stars in this can’t-miss drama about modern dating and the distinction between liberation and exploitation. The miniseries begins with Arabella (Coel), a young writer spending an evening in London, who is, at one moment, out drinking with friends, and the next, back to worrying about a deadline while experiencing memories of sexual violence.

Partially based on Coel’s lived experiences, *I May Destroy You* is an engaging, personal series that holds up a mirror to the nuances of our modern world. As EW’s critic praises, “Coel lets her characters grapple with knotty questions of consent and responsibility without ever judging their actions or promoting answers that don’t actually exist.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *I May Destroy You*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, Paapa Essiedu

Jury Duty (2023–present)

Ronald Gladden and James Marsden on ‘Jury Duty’.

The Emmy-nominated first season of this sitcom/reality show centers on an entirely made-up jury trial in which everyone involved is in on it except for one man, Ronald Gladden, who is led to believe everything that’s happening is real. It’s a show that really shouldn’t work. And yet, remarkably, the team pulls off the hoax and delivers hilarious, enthralling television in the process. Season 2, *Company Retreat*, follows a similar setup in which Anthony Norman is “hired” as a temp worker in charge of a company retreat for a hot sauce business — and the team’s meticulous planning is even more ambitious this time around. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Jury Duty*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Ronald Gladden, James Marsden

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Love Story (2026–present)

Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette and Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. on ‘Love Story’.

Ryan Murphy’s *American Story* franchise has further expanded to this romance-based anthological series. The first (and, thus far, only) season provides an in-depth look at John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon), charting their whirlwind romance and struggles with the tabloids through their tragic deaths in 1999. Centering on the weight of expectations and public scrutiny on their private lives, *Love Story* provides a riveting portrait of marriage, bolstered by magnetic performances — particularly by Pidgeon, who earned an Emmy nomination for her turn. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Love Story*: Hulu

**Cast:** Sarah Pidgeon, Paul Anthony Kelly, Grace Gummer, Naomi Watts

Mare of Easttown (2021)

Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan in ‘Mare of Easttown’. Michele K. Short/HBO

By the time *Mare of Easttown* debuted on HBO, there were already many high-profile crime dramas starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood (See: *True Detective* and *Fargo*). Yet, *Easttown* showcases enough acting prowess and surprising mystery to suck viewers in. Kate Winslet portrays Mare, a tired, emotionally spent detective who becomes consumed by the murder of a young teenage mother in their small Pennsylvania town. Everyone becomes a suspect, and answers are few and far between, though Mare already has plenty on her personal plate. The bleak atmosphere and experienced ensemble cast immerse the audience in moments both beautifully human and totally tragic. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Mare of Easttown*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Kate Winslet, Angourie Rice, Evan Peters, Julianne Nicholson, Jean Smart

Margo’s Got Money Troubles (2026–present)

Michelle Pfeiffer as Shyanne and Elle Fanning as Margo Millet on ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’.

Courtesy of Apple

Life wasn’t easy for Margo (Elle Fanning), growing up with a hard-working mother and a distant father. But her creativity offered her a better life upon attending college...only to get knocked up by her English professor. Electing to have the baby and struggling to afford her new life, she turns to OnlyFans to support herself financially. This is the setup for David E. Kelley’s winning adaptation of Rufi Thorpe’s novel, but the real juice of the series is in its exploration of family and how they’re all just trying to get by in a world where the cards are often stacked against them. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Margo’s Got Money Troubles*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman

The Night Of (2016)

Riz Ahmed as Naz Khan in ‘The Night Of’. Craig Blankenhorn/HBO

Riz Ahmed stars in *The Night Of* as Naz, a young man who wakes up after a night of partying to find himself charged with the murder of a woman (Sofia Black-D’Elia) whom he met the previous evening. As crime dramas are increasingly common these days, each TV series must attempt the daunting task of standing out from the herd. And *The Night Of* is one that announces its power outright and only revs up from there, grabbing viewers and not letting them go until the finale.

Between the acting of the main cast — which includes John Turturro and Bill Camp — and the complexities of modern-day law and order, *The Night Of* is, as EW’s review puts it, a “spectacle of people wrestling with their consciences and overcoming their weaknesses and their stories to serve true justice and do the right thing.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Night Of*: HBO Max

**Cast:** John Turturro, Riz Ahmed, Michael Kenneth Williams, Bill Camp, Jeannie Berlin

Normal People (2020)

Paul Mescal as Connell Waldron and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne Sheridan in ‘Normal People’. Enda Bowe/Element Pictures/Hulu

Sally Rooney’s best-selling novel received a smash-hit small-screen adaptation in this affecting romance drama. *Normal People* follows Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal), two lovers who meet in secondary school, as they navigate relationships and their own emotions throughout their teens and 20s.

The miniseries owes much of its success to the chemistry between the two leads, as viewers see them fall in and out and back in love, multiple times over, all while helping each other through the seasons of their young lives. Beyond the perfectly cast magnetism between Mescal and Edgar-Jones, the script is finely tuned in its exploration of sex, depression, and relationships while never loosening its grip on your heartstrings. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Normal People*: Hulu

**Cast:** Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal, Sarah Greene

Over the Garden Wall (2014)

(Center): Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) on ‘Over the Garden Wall’. Cartoon Network

When creator Patrick McHale adapted *Over the Garden Wall* from his short film *Tome of the Unknown*, he gifted Cartoon Network one of the greatest hidden gems of the 2010s. The beloved animated adventure sees two brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Gregory (Collin Dean), as they embark on a journey across a fantastical forest realm to return to their home.

Over the course of 10 brief episodes, viewers are treated to world-building that’s both charming and frightful, often at the same time — pumpkin-head cults, trees as soul prisons, a familial bluebird curse — between meeting whimsical creatures voiced by the likes of Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry, John Cleese, and more. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Over the Garden Wall*: Hulu

**Cast:** Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Curry

Overcompensating (2025–present)

Corteon Moore as Gabe and Benito Skinner as Benny on ‘Overcompensating’.

Jackie Brown/Prime

Shows set in college don’t always get it right, but this outrageous yet sweet comedy is looking to be one of the good ones. *Overcompensating* centers on Benny (Benito Skinner, who also created the series), a jock who’s beginning his first year at university. Benny also happens to be gay, a secret he’s hoping to keep hidden but struggling to do so. He soon befriends Carmen (Wally Baram), who also feels like an outsider, and the pair explores the brave new world of college and tries to figure out their true selves. Full of sharp observational humor and bolstered by a charismatic cast, this is a show that will resonate most with millennials in the audience (trust us). —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Overcompensating*: Amazon Prime Video

**Cast:** Benito Skinner, Wally Baram, Mary Beth Barone, Adam DiMarco, Rish Shah

Paradise (2025–present)

Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins on ‘Paradise’.

Brian Roedel/Disney

Much like Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise,” which is featured heavily in the pilot, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface of this Hulu thriller series. *Paradise* centers on Secret Service agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) as he tries to find the person responsible for assassinating the President of the United States. But this is only one element of the story that’s better left unspoiled; much like *This Is Us*, series creator Dan Fogelman’s previous show, the end of the pilot pulls off a spectacular twist, setting up a riveting story that provokes thought about our own world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Paradise*: Hulu

**Cast:** Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom

The Pitt (2025–present)

Patrick Ball as Dr. Frank Langdon and Katherine LaNasa as Dana Evans on ‘The Pitt’.

Warrick Page/Max

The medical drama has been one of the staples of television for decades now, likely because of the universality of its life-or-death stakes. One would imagine the difficulty in making the genre fresh after all this time, but *The Pitt* proves how engrossing it can be to watch doctors simply be good at their jobs. This addictive Emmy-winning HBO Max series follows a chaotic day in the lives of emergency room doctors and nurses as they struggle to treat various patients, overseen by senior attending physician Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle). Bolstered by charismatic performances and refreshing realism, *The Pitt* is an essential watch about essential workers. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Pitt*: HBO Max

**Cast:** Noah Wyle, Patrick Ball, Katherine LaNasa, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden

Pluribus (2025–present)

Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka on ‘Pluribus’.

What if a misanthrope became the key to saving the world? This engrossing sci-fi drama stars Golden Globe winner Rhea Seehorn as Carol, a cynical novelist who is alarmed to discover that a virus has seemingly infected the entire planet, with humanity transformed into a placid, people-pleasing hive mind. Carol is one of the only people on Earth not affected, while everyone around her is desperate to recruit her to join the Others. The Emmy-nominated series marks another successful collaboration between Seehorn and creator Vince Gilligan, having previously worked together on *Better Call Saul*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Pluribus*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Rhea Seehorn, Karolina Wydra, Carlos Manuel Vesga

The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.

Phil Bray/Netflix

*The Queen’s Gambit*, based on the novel by Walter Tevis, stars Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, an introverted chess prodigy who becomes a world-renowned player while struggling to deal with fame and addiction throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s. While “star deals with substance abuse” is a tired trope, *The Queen’s Gambit* works so well because of director Scott Frank’s eye for the era and Taylor-Joy’s multifaceted performance. She’s a wonder as a young teen discovering her escape in the game while trumping overconfident men, and as an actualized woman facing the consequences of celebrity status.

The Emmy-winning miniseries also wowed audiences with its dramatization of the game of chess. As EW’s critic writes, “It’s an environment of cerebral swagger, diffident competitiveness, and geek love.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *The Queen’s Gambit*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp, Moses Ingram, Marielle Heller, Harry Melling

Schitt’s Creek (2015–2020)

Catherine O’Hara as Moira Rose on ‘Schitt’s Creek’.

It’s a relatively simple concept: An absurdly wealthy couple and their spoiled adult children suddenly lose everything and are forced to move into a small-town motel. It’s the sharp writing and committed performances that elevated *Schitt’s Creek* into the pop culture zeitgeist, including Eugene Levy as practical straight man Johnny Rose; Daniel Levy as his sarcastic son, David; and Annie Murphy as the lovably materialistic daughter, Alexis. But the crown jewel of the series is mother Moira, played with such specific, elevated eccentricity by the late, great Catherine O’Hara. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Schitt’s Creek*: HBO Max and Hulu

**Cast:** Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, Annie Murphy

Sense8 (2015–2018)

Bae Doona as Sun Bak on ‘Sense8’. Murray Close/Netflix

Many of the shows on this list fell unjustly on the network chopping block, and one of the more devastated fanbases is that of *Sense8*, a sci-fi series about a group of people whose minds are inexplicably connected, causing them to be hunted by those who see them as a threat.

Created by the Wachowski sisters (*The Matrix*) and J. Michael Straczynski, *Sense8* is prime binge material, having enchanted viewers with a diverse cast and an intricate, imaginative plot. The show’s subsequent cancellation was indicative of the diversity problem in mainstream streaming platforms, leaving dedicated fans angry and heartbroken. Regardless of its rushed goodbye, *Sense8* is a groundbreaking, inclusive, and engaging series that needs to be viewed in its entirety. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Sense8*: Netflix

**Cast:** Aml Ameen, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Tina Desai, Tuppence Middleton

Severance (2022–present)

Adam Scott as Mark S. on ‘Severance’. Atsushi Nishijima/Apple TV +

Adam Scott leads a stellar ensemble cast in this inventive sci-fi drama about a group of co-workers whose brains have been surgically split between their work lives and their personal lives. From the first episode, *Severance* sets up a chilly atmosphere of gray sparsity in the workplace as Mark (Scott) and his colleagues careen toward unknown truths about the nature of their jobs.

Executive producer Ben Stiller, who directed many of the episodes, perfectly sets up the world and mystery, leading to a season 1 finale that is full of, as EW’s critic writes, “cloak-and-dagger intrigue and artful weirdness as Mark’s parallel lives careen toward intersection.” *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Severance*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, John Turturro, Patricia Arquette

Shōgun (2024–present)

Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko (center) on ‘Shōgun’.

This impeccably crafted adaptation of the James Clavell novel of the same name is a Shakespearean-esque saga of war and political intrigue. Set in 1600s feudal Japan, the series begins with the arrival by ship of an English pilot (Cosmo Jarvis), who is soon thrust into an ongoing battle for power among Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and rival regents. With Toranaga’s ally Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) serving as a translator between the men, a metaphorical chess game ensues as the warlord makes a series of big plays for control.

The first season of *Shōgun* won a record-breaking 18 Emmys, the most ever for a single season of television, with EW’s critic calling the series “a stunning epic.” Originally envisioned as a miniseries, the show’s popularity with fans, critics, and awards bodies led to renewals for a second and third season. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shōgun*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Hiroyuki Sanada, Cosmo Jarvis, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Takehiro Hira

Shrinking (2023–present)

Harrison Ford as Dr. Paul Rhoades and Jason Segel as Jimmy Laird on ‘Shrinking’.

Beth Dubber/Apple

TV producer Bill Lawrence has a strong portfolio of shows where you wish you could hang out with their characters, from *Scrubs* to *Cougar Town* to *Ted Lasso*. *Shrinking* is no exception, centering on a therapist named Jimmy (Jason Segel) who is struggling to raise his teenage daughter while grieving the death of his wife. He opts for a more direct approach at work, leading to deeper (and sometimes messy) relationships with his patients and fellow therapists. EW’s critic calls *Shrinking* “a funny, brainy grief-com about the power — and dangers — of radical honesty.” —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Shrinking*: Apple TV

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Christa Miller

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on ‘Squid Game’. Noh Juhan/Netflix

In the age of social media, TV show fandoms can spread like wildfire. *Squid Game* lit the fuse better than any show before it, uniting the internet in favor of this unique South Korean thriller series. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, *Squid Game* is a global phenomenon about a group of debt-ridden people who compete in deadly games for an absurd cash prize.

Viewers couldn’t help but binge the series as fast as possible to talk about it with friends who were just as mesmerized by the engaging plot and moving acting, with turns from Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su, and more. The hype even spawned a reality series (which may have missed the underlying themes), but nonetheless kept the *Squid Game* craze going. *—R.E.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

**Cast:** Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

The Studio (2025–present)

(From left to right): Ike Barinholtz as Sal Saperstein, Kathryn Hahn as Maya Mason, Seth Rogen as Matt Remick, and Chase Sui Wonders as Quinn Hackett on ‘The Studio’.

Movies are so much more difficult to produce than you can even imagine. A million small decisions need to be made, any one of which could tank the project. This frenetic, Emmy-winning comedy from the dynamic duo of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg satirizes the modern-day struggles of doing business in Hollywood, starring Rogen as the newly promoted head of a legacy studio. As he tries to balance his artistic integrity with the ever-growing demands of needing to generate revenue for the studio, anything that can go wrong does go wrong.

*The Studio* may be a bit too inside-baseball for some viewers, but it’s a special treat for those of us consumed by the latest entertainment news. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Studio*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn

Survivor (2000–present)

Jeff Probst hosting ‘Survivor’.

Robert Voets/CBS

Don’t be alarmed by the fact that *Survivor* finished airing its 50th season in May. Because so many seasons of the reality juggernaut have entirely new casts, you can pick and choose which ones you want to watch (though it’s certainly fun to watch the series evolve over 26 years!). *Survivor* strands 16 to 20 people in a remote location — typically an island — where they are forced to work together as tribes, and then vote each other off until only one remains to claim the title of Sole Survivor. Social politics, tests of physical strength, and game theory combine to create one of the greatest competitions in the world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Survivor*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Jeff Probst

The Traitors (2023–present)

Alan Cumming hosting ‘The Traitors’.

Euan Cherry/Peacock

Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? Combine that with the appeal of seeing divisive reality stars get humbled, and you have the perfect, Emmy-winning concoction, with Alan Cumming as the acid-tongued master of ceremonies. The reality competition is set at a Scottish castle, where the goal is to identify which of the contestants’ fellow castmates are “traitors,” a select group of three or four people who have been secretly tasked with eliminating players from the game in the dead of night. Each season thus far is a delectable binge, chock-full of intrigue and duplicity. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Traitors*: Peacock

**Cast:** Alan Cumming

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper on ‘Twin Peaks’. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Television viewers in 1990 had never seen anything like *Twin Peaks* before — and there hasn’t been anything like it since. David Lynch and Mark Frost’s crime mystery series begins with a familiar setup: A teenage girl washes up on shore in a small Pacific Northwest town, and the police try to figure out who killed her. But, as the series goes on, we bear witness to the surreal darkness lying beneath the surface, haunting our collective subconscious forever.

Eccentric Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) states at one point in the series, “I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.” And as you binge *Twin Peaks*, you’ll find yourself agreeing. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Twin Peaks*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Sherilyn Fenn, Ray Wise, Piper Laurie

The White Lotus (2021–present)

Jennifer Coolidge as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt on ‘The White Lotus’. Fabio Lovino/HBO

Writer-director Mike White has become one of our great satirists with this brilliant comedy-drama anthology. Each season centers on a mostly new group of characters staying at a high-end White Lotus resort. But, despite their best intentions, many of these vacationers find that their problems have followed them — from relationship issues to personal anxieties — and staying in paradise won’t solve anything. If you love sharp, observational humor and character studies, you’ll certainly enjoy your stay at *The White Lotus*. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The White Lotus*: HBO Max

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Rothwell, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Steve Zahn

Widow’s Bay (2026–present)

Matthew Rhys as Tom Loftis on ‘Widow’s Bay’.

Have you heard? Widow’s Bay is the new Martha’s Vineyard! At least that’s what Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), the town’s beleaguered mayor, wants the public to think on this delightfully dark horror-comedy. In reality, the titular coastal New England town seems to be cursed, with malevolent spirits arriving whenever the fog comes in. Concocted with the right balance of dry humor and dread-filled terror, Widow’s Bay might not be a place we’d ever want to stay, but Rhys’ committed, Emmy-nominated performance as the increasingly desperate mayor makes for a terrific audience surrogate. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Widow’s Bay*: Apple TV

**Cast:** Matthew Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey, Stephen Root

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW TV”